Microbes Fight Back

A fascinating and fantastic account of the history, science and most crucially the future of antibiotics. Whether you prescribe them or merely use them this is an indispensable read. -- Dr Chris van Tulleken, BBC Science Presenter and MRC Research Fellow, University College London This is a very readable and enjoyable book. It is broad in scope covering the first understandings of the microbiological cause of infectious diseases right up to the current crisis of antimicrobial resistance and possible solutions. These include infection prevention and control, alternative strategies and citizen science. There is also a section on the microbiome illustrating how use of antibiotics can give collateral damage. Something for everyone - from the interested public to students. -- Professor Laura Piddock, BSAC Chair in Public Engagement and Deputy Director, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham

Antibiotics are familiar drugs to us all, this topical popular science book considers the past, present and uncertain future of antibiotics. It highlights the need for universal cooperation in order to tackle this global health challenge, which, if not addressed, could transport us back to the medical dark ages.

Antibiotics are familiar drugs to us all, so familiar that we may take them for granted. They allow us to survive life-threatening infections, and allow us to protect the animals we farm for food. Many antibiotics have now become ineffective against common diseases, and there are few alternative treatments to replace them. In this topical popular science book, Laura Bowater, Professor of Microbiology Education and Engagement at Norwich Medical School, considers the past, present and uncertain future of antibiotics.

This book begins by looking back at how infectious diseases, such as smallpox and the plague, were able to wreak havoc on populations before the discovery of the first antibiotics. These then revolutionised the medical world. In an engaging and accessible style, Professor Bowater takes the reader through how antibiotics are made, how bacteria are able to mutate and develop resistance and she explains why there is now a lack of new antibiotic drugs coming to market.

What will a future of continued antibiotic resistance look like? How can human activities prevent the rise of ‘superbugs'? Professor Bowater highlights the need for universal cooperation in order to tackle this global health challenge, which, if not addressed, could transport us back to the medical dark ages.